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10 Legit Ways to Make Money with a 3D Printer

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If you are someone who really wants to buy a 3D printer, but you want to make sure it will actually be a profitable purchase instead of just a huge expense, then I am talking directly to you. Learning how to make money with a 3D printer will guarantee your return on investment if you are willing to put in the work.

Not many people can fork out the cash to purchase a 3D printer. Therefore, they look for others who have one already to do a project for them. This is your opportunity to charge for the service so that you both get what you want.

3D printers are versatile and can handle a variety of projects, making them extremely valuable. Take your time exploring the best printer for you and make money with a 3D printer. Use it as a side hustle or a business and bring your customer’s visions to life.

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What is 3D Printing?

3D printing is the process of printing objects into tangible, three-dimensional products. It’s an “additive manufacturing” process that deposits layers and layers on top of each other to create models right before your eyes. These layers are either liquid or powdered plastic. All of the layers are then fused together to sustain the object.

What Can You Make With a 3D Printer to Sell?

The beauty of 3D printing is that you can make so many things and then turn around and sell them to others. Take a look at some 3D printing ideas to sell:

  • Children’s figurines
  • 3D ultrasound for visually impaired parents-to-be
  • Utensils
  • Phone case covers
  • Bikes
  • Coffee cups
  • Lamps
  • Wallet for credit cards
  • Picture frames
  • Costume masks
  • Keys
  • Lunch boxes
  • Legos and/or large blocks
  • Piggy Banks
  • Bookmarks
  • Measuring spoons/cups
  • Chopsticks
  • Napkin holders
  • Bottle openers
  • Candle holders
  • Board games and board game pieces
  • Camera lenses
  • Musical instruments
  • Tablet and iPad stands
  • Decorative hanging light fixtures

Related: Best Side Hustles for Men

10 Ways to Make Money With a 3D Printer

3D printers can be expensive upfront to purchase. However, it only takes a few solid projects to earn enough to cover that expense. Here are some of the best ways to monetize a 3D printer.

1. Create and Sell Your Miniature Creations

Collectible figurines are fun for others to purchase and display in their homes. Make your own figurine creations and sell them to others.

From mystical creatures, fun action figures, replicas of animals, superheroes, and more, figurines can be a safe money maker. With intricate details in your creations, you can quickly become someone customers flock to for unique designs and gifts.

Related: How to Start an Etsy Shop

2. Start a 3D Printing Blog

Become an expert in the 3D printing world and start a blog around the topic. You can write posts about the best printers and products, step-by-step guides, and even create sponsored posts.

Utilize affiliates and ads to monetize your blog and keep creating content around 3D printing tutorials, reviews, buyer and gift guides, and even the things you should not do with this special printer. There is no shortage of content you can create about 3D printing.

3. Create YouTube Tutorials and Reviews

There are even more ways to monetize 3D printing such as creating a YouTube channel to publish tutorials and reviews. Help beginners in their quest for answers on how to use their printer or show satisfying objects being made right in front of your viewers.

Teach them how to assemble and clean their printer. Also, leave helpful reviews about specific printers and products. Add affiliates to your channel and ads to maximize your earning potential.

4. Offer Print on Demand Services

Make money 3D printing on demand, a service you can offer to friends, family, neighbors, and your community as a whole. Let others pay you to use your printer and recoup the cost of your investment quicker.

Advertise your services on social media, send out flyers to your neighborhood, put your service in the local newspaper, and ask others for referrals. Charge a fair price for each item you print on demand.

Related: Best Service Business Ideas

5. Offer 3D Printing Classes Locally or Online

People often wonder, “what can you do with a 3D printer to make money?” The answer can be as simple as offering classes locally or online on how to use the printer itself. Teach others how they can use their investment and show them ways they can also make money with their printer.

Get an in-depth understanding of your machine and teach others all the ins and outs of it so that they use the printer to its full capacity. Your students will pay for the convenience of having someone show them how to assemble it, use it, as well as learn new tricks about their machine.

6. Rent Out Your 3D Printer

Monetize 3D printing by charging a fee for someone to rent out your 3D printer. Let them print their projects and charge for the time it takes them to do so. From simple home décor to party favors, you can rent your printer for their one-time needs.

Consider charging by the hour or by the project. This saves others from having to purchase the printer themselves, especially if they won’t have a need for one after their project.

Related: How to Make Money Woodworking

7. Sell 3D Printers and Supplies Online

Make 3D printing a side hustle by conveniently starting an ecommerce business on Shopify and sell printers and supplies on your store. Reach customers through advertising on social media, Pinterest, and word-of-mouth. Sell the necessities that 3D printing customers need to successfully print their projects and keep them coming back to you as their one-stop-shop.

8. Become a 3D Printing Consultant

Being a consultant means you are an expert who can help someone else learn the trade. 3D printing consultants teach others how to use their devices and consult them on the services they offer, refer them to the best products, and notify clients of new or improved machinery that may be beneficial to them.

You can also be someone who consults them on troubleshooting needs. Consultants can charge by the hour or by the month depending on the clients’ needs.

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9. Buy and Sell Used 3D Printers

3D printing can sound like an exciting thing to do, but some people may have been too hasty in their decision making process. After realizing 3D printing isn’t for them, you can often find these printers for sale online or at local marketplaces.

Additionally, some sellers may want to sell their printer so that they can buy the newest upgraded version on the market. Buy the used printers, ensure they are in good working condition, clean them up a bit, and then sell them to others for a profit.

10. Offer Paid Demos

A 3D printer might look nice, but if you don’t know how to use it, it could quickly become a large, expensive paperweight. Offer paid demos to customers who purchased a 3D printer and help them understand the potential they have to create some grand projects.

Don’t let them leave the printer collecting dust. Provide weekly or monthly demos to educate others frequently on the potential they have.

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5 Highly-Rated and Affordable 3D Printers for Beginners

Make money with a 3D printer from this list of highly-rated printers available on Amazon. It will take some practice and close attention to the instructions manual to master your new printer. Plus, if you can earn an extra $300, you might be surprised by how many options are available to you.

ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 3D Printer

This printer is less than $300 and has a global rating of 4.5 stars. It is a resin finish printer producing projects with strong stability. It includes off-line printing and is great for beginners due to its ease of use.

This printer is not useful for large projects, but has been highly mentioned by other purchasers to print detailed, quick, and leveled smaller products.

This 3D printer features:

  • 2. 5x faster resin finish
  • Transparent cover to block UV rays
  • LCD screen
  • Stability and high precision

Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer

This option is an affordable 3D printer that includes a ‘resume printing’ function, perfect for needing to pause a project due to power outages or any lapses that may occur. It includes a safety protected power supply and moves noiselessly.

Out of over 3,100+ reviews, this printer still ranks 4.6 stars. Buyers describe this printer as one for beginners or experienced users. It is easy to use, takes some time to set up, and prints smoothly.

This 3D printer features:

  • Advanced extruder technology
  • Strict testing on key components
  • Quick hot bed
  • V-shape with upgraded wheels

Official Creality Ender 3 V2 Upgraded 3D Printer

For less than $300, this printer offers a silent motherboard, resume printing function, and quick hotbed heat. It rates 4.5 stars out of 2,200+ reviews. It is great for beginners as it offers easy assembling, simple-to-use features, and prints good quality finishes.

The instructions for use can be a little confusing at first, but there are plenty of tutorials to walk you through it and the customer support it comes with is outstanding.

This 3D printer features:

  • Upgraded extruder design
  • Meanwell power supply
  • Semi-assembled kit
  • Removable build surface plate

Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer With Removable Build Surface Plate

This printer easily sells for less than $300 and is highly rated with nearly 6,000 reviews, rating 4.5 stars. There is a learning curve as you adjust to this printer, but overall it is easy to assemble and prints great quality projects. YouTube videos can show you step-by-step how to use this printer. It has exceeded many buyers’ expectations.

This 3D printer features:

  • Resume printing
  • Lifetime technical assistance
  • Ability to heat up to 110 degrees Celsius in just five minutes
  • Easy set-up kit
  • Removable surface plate

ELEGOO Mars 2 Mono MSLA 3D Printer

This printer is less than $300 and is low maintenance. With a 4.7 rating from over 2,600+ buyers globally, this printer has blown away buyers. It has ultra accuracy, sturdy build quality, and a multi language interface. It is easy to use, prints high quality, and has a learning curve that technical support can help with.

This 3D printer features:

  • UV photocuring
  • UV integrated light
  • 12 languages including Turkish, Dutch, English, Spanish, and more
  • Fast printing

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Can a 3D Printing Side Hustle Be Profitable?

3D printers can make some incredible products and can quickly turn from a hobby into a business opportunity. However, 3D printing takes work and not everyone will be able to learn how to make money with a 3D printer. It takes practice, education, and intensive research.

If you are someone who is willing to put in the time to learn and use these unique printers, then there are many opportunities to get paid to 3D print. From the list above, choose the best method and machine for you in which you can make money with a 3D printer.

Start it out as a hobby and eventually turn it into a profitable side hustle. Learn as much as you can about 3D printing to set yourself as an expert others will pay to learn from. 3D printing is more than just making fun things for your home; take advantage of the skills you acquire using this printer and make money online from home.

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19 Best Ways to Make Money with a 3D Printer (Ultimate 2022 Guide)

3D printing is a relatively new way of producing products. It involves creating a model of your product that enables your printer to craft the item to the specifications you set. There are many benefits of 3D printing including the ease of use and the ability to produce one-off items without costing a fortune.

For consumers, 3D printers make great gifts that can spark creativity and inspire entrepreneurship. The capabilities are almost limitless, including the ability to make a profit with your printer.

Starting a 3D printing side hustle can be an excellent way to make money as it requires a relatively low investment and a minor learning curve to get started. From starting a blog to selling 3D printed items, there's sure to be a method for you!

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know including how to make money with a 3D printer, where to buy your printer, how much a 3D printer costs, and tips to becoming a more experienced 3D printer. Let's get started!

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What Can I Make With a 3D Printer?

One of the benefits of 3D printing is the ability to construct just about anything. From chip clips to toilet paper holders, the items you can produce are endless. Some of the most common items to make money with 3D printing include:

  • Game pieces
  • Home decor
  • Jewelry
  • Figurines or action figures
  • Chip clips
  • Keyholders
  • Device accessories
  • Planters
  • Combs
  • Bottle openers
  • Business cardholders
  • Coasters
  • Camera slider
  • Measuring spoons
  • Desk or paper trays
  • Screwdrivers or other basic tools
  • Water jugs or bottles
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Where to Buy 3D Printer

You can purchase a 3D printing from many online stores including Amazon or at a local craft store. You can even find some 3D printers at local electronics or hardware stores.

In addition to the printer itself, you’ll also need to purchase the materials to create your products. There are several different types of printers that use different materials. ABS plastic, PLA, nylon, epoxy resins, and polycarbonate are some of the most common. You can find these supplies online or through your local craft stores.

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How Much Does a 3D Printer Cost

Each 3D printer has unique features that can impact the price of your printer and how much money you can make. It’s reasonable to expect to spend anywhere from $200 to well over $10,000 to purchase a 3D printer.

Speed of Printing

The speed of your printer is one of the biggest price factors. Printers that can produce quickly can cost much more than those that take longer. If you plan to print larger items or you need your items in a rush, you might want to consider purchasing a faster printer.

Related: 61 Easy Ways to Make $100 Fast

Build Area

The size of your 3D printer will add additional costs if you desire the ability to print larger items. It's typically wise to overestimate your needs at first so that you are capable of printing items somewhat larger than you initially thought.

Multi-Colored Items

Some printers are capable of constructing items that are made of various colors. This will add additional costs compared to a single color printer. Printing multicolored structures will also slow down your machine making a high-speed printer even more essential for some.

Resolution

Resolution comes up whenever debating any style of printer, three dimensional or not. Just as a printer that can’t print at 300dpi will produce clean and crisp outputs, a 3D printer with a higher resolution can produce items that are smoother and more precise.

If you plan to craft items that are detailed oriented, you should opt to purchase a 3D printer that offers high-quality printing.

Is 3D Printing Expensive?

Unfortunately, there are additional costs that come with a 3D printer outside of the printer itself.

For example, the resin required to print can add up – especially if you're doing a lot of printing.

For beginners, you might have a significant amount of waste which can be costly. As you gain more experience, your waste will be limited and the costs will go down.

Best 3D Printers for Beginners

If you’re just getting started with 3D printing, the options can be overwhelming. There are thousands of options each with their own unique features that you may not fully understand yet. We’ve put together some of the best options for those new to 3D printing.

da Vinci Nano ($189)

The da Vinci Nano offers great flexibility to those new to 3D printing. It is portable, lightweight, and comes preassembled with user-friendly software that is compatible with both Windows and Mac devices.

Monoprice Select Mini ($220)

For those looking to spend a little bit more, the Monoprice Select Mini offers some features found on higher-end decides without the outrageous price tag. Just like the da Vinci Nano, it also comes preassembled and with user-friendly software compatible with both Windows and Mac devices.

Flash Forge Finder ($299)

If you want to take another step up, the Flash Forge Finder is a great option for those who need a quieter device. It features a portable design that is completely enclosed, keeping your surroundings safe. It includes some filament and also supplies user-friendly software compatible with both Windows and Mac devices.

How to Make Money With a 3D Printer

Owning a 3D printer can become an income-producing asset, similar to stocks, real estate, or your knowledge. You can print many different items to sell, rent, or keep for yourself. Below are some of the best ways to make money with a 3D printer.

Make Money Renting out your Printer

As mentioned above, a 3D printer can cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over $10,000. You can take advantage of this by renting out your printer to others looking to use your machine. Post your item for rent on social media or local classifieds.

You should have a simple contract that details the terms of the rental and specifies when the printer is due back and what happens if the printer is returned broken.

The amount you can rent your printer for will vary on the model and the length of the rental.

If you want to make passive income, this is a great option to make money with your 3D printer.

Build 3D Prototypes

Many entrepreneurs and inventors work to build prototypes of their potential products in the early stages of their business. Before 3D printing, this was a common stopgap between becoming a successful inventor as it required a rather large investment and working with a firm to produce one.

Instead, offer to create prototypes for inventors. You can charge an hourly rate for your consultation and an additional fee for the product you print depending on the complexity of the item. Many 3D printing services will charge outlandish prices, offering you a great opportunity.

Building prototypes can be an excellent way to make money with a 3D printer because it is a necessary step for every business looking to create a physical product and many entrepreneurs are willing to pay for your services.

The amount of money you can charge for your printing services will vary, but in some cases you can make over $500 per project.

Start a 3D Printing Service Business

Some people might want to have a product produced with a 3D printer for multiple reasons. You can consider starting a service to print products on demand.

The amount you charge for your printing services ranges depending on the complexity of the project and the time it will take to design.

By starting a print on demand business, making money with 3D printing can be a breeze.

Although, it isn't always sunshine and daisies when starting a 3D printing business. You'll be forced to deal with many customers which can become a headache and you'll often be faced with requests outside of traditional 3D printing services.

Create and Sell 3D Printed Products to Make Money

Because 3D printing is so versatile, you can manufacture your own products to sell online. Eyeglasses, tennis rackets, figurines, and many other products can be produced with your printer, giving you an opportunity to cash in.

You can list your items for sale on e-commerce sites like eBay, Amazon, Etsy, or you could consider creating your own online store to sell your products. Either way, selling your products is a great way to make some additional cash.

Many 3D printed items are quite simple to design and build making it a perfect option for beginners to start making money and earning passive income.

Sell Personalized Products

Personalized items are a hot gift for many holidays, so why not take advantage?

You can make all sorts of personalized items to sell to customers with your 3D printing business.

For example, name tags, personalized wedding gifts, and even a laser engraved picture are all examples of items you can sell with a 3D printer.

Starting a 3D printing business that sells personalized crafts is a fun way to make money.

Offer 3D Printing Classes

Consider teaching courses on 3D printing, showing others the equipment and software you need to get started and how to craft their first item.

Obviously, you’ll need to own a 3D printer and be knowledgeable about the techniques and methods of becoming a successful 3D printer.

You can perform individual consultations or consider using a larger space to hold larger classes. You can charge on a per session basis for your services.

If you offer 3D printing classes, be sure to create a curriculum and understand the logistics of how you will hold classes.

Create YouTube Videos

Because 3D printing is relatively new, there are many people who do not fully understand how it works. Create YouTube videos to teach others the basics of 3D printing.

If your videos gain traction, you can benefit from advertising or affiliate marketing to build an additional income stream. You can team up with several printer manufacturers to become an affiliate and receive a proceed from each purchase you facilitate.

Here is a great video on how to start a YouTube channel!


Watch this video on YouTube

Start a 3D Printing Blog

Blogging can be an excellent way to pad your income with a 3D printer. 

To get started, you'll need to purchase a domain name and hosting plan for visitors to access your website. I recommend using Namecheap to purchase your domain name and SiteGround to host your website.

Once you've purchased these items, you can choose to install a CMS on your website like WordPress to make it easy to manage.  

Next, it's all about creating unique and engaging content to keep readers satisfied and coming back for more.

You can make money on your blog through a variety of methods including display advertising, affiliate marketing, and more.

Start a 3D Printing TikTok

TikTok is a new social media platform that lets creators post short videos and share them with the world.

Just like a YouTube channel, starting a TikTok channel can take some time to grow. You can show off the items you 3D print and take requests from others to make money with a 3D printer.

Become a 3D Printing Troubleshooter or Technician

As with any piece of equipment, over years of use, it’s bound to break at some point. If you understand the internals of a 3D printer, you could charge clients to fix their machines.

Because 3D printers can be extremely expensive, most would rather have their machine fixed rather than purchasing an entirely new machine.

It’s best to charge an hourly rate for your services as you may not know what the project will entail at first.

Review Different 3D Printers

With so many printers on the market, people are looking to decide which ones are worth their money. You can review many different printers helping consumers decide which is right for them. You can post your reviews on a website or by creating video reviews.

Create Home Decor

Home decor is commonly made of plastic, making it a great candidate to print with a 3D printer. You can then choose to sell your decor or keep it for your own home. Because home decor is so popular, these printed items can sell fast. This can be a quick and simple way to make money with 3D printing.

Create a 3D Printing Resources Website

Create a website dedicated to 3D printing to make money on each visitor that accesses your website. You can also sell tools, supplies, and materials that other 3D printers might be looking for. You could also create a beginner's guide that shows new 3D printers how to get started.

Create Phone Cases or Accessories

Because mobile phones are so prominent in today's society, you can take advantage by creating custom phone cases for users. You could take requests for different designs and build them as requests arrive. Phone owners would be willing to pay for these custom pieces, giving you a great opportunity to make money with your 3D printer.

Print Cups, Mugs, or Cutlery

By printing these household essentials, you can save money and get creative. You can also sell your items online to make money with your printer. Consider making custom pieces that collectors might envy to increase your profits.

Create Sports Equipment

Items like tennis rackets, swimming paddles, and whiffle balls are great options to print with your printer. You can then keep them to yourself or sell them online through e-commerce sites or your own website. There are many different 3D printed items you can consider making.

Flip Broken Printers

You can purchase broken 3D printers online through eBay or Amazon and if you have the knowledge to fix them, you can sell them for a profit. You’ll most likely need some basic tools to complete simple fixes, but there are no guarantees.

Flipping 3D printers can be an excellent business idea to start making money from your skills. If you're big into flipping, you might consider flipping furniture to make money on your weekends!

Invest in 3D printing and Technology Stocks

While this is not the most direct way to start making money from your 3D printer, you can choose to invest in companies that have a stake in the 3D printing atmosphere.

You might choose to invest in a company that makes 3D printers or a company that sells 3D printed items.

Related: How to Invest and Make Money Daily

Create a 3D Design Service

Some potential customers might not want to mess with the headache of designing a product before printing. You can offer to build 3D designs for clients and charge them for your services. By creating a 3D model for your customer, they can print the item on their own.

This can be a great way to make money with 3D printing because you don't technically need to own a printer to get started.

Best Things to 3D Print and Sell

There are many different things to 3D print and sell for a profit to make money from your printer. 

There are two main methods of thinking when it comes to deciding which items you should sell.

  1. Creating simple, easy products that you can sell at scale with lower margins
  2. Creating more difficult, custom products with lower competition and higher margins

For example, if you're looking for simple things to 3D print and sell, you might consider creating pet accessories like leashes, jewelry, phone cases. 

If you want to create more custom products to sell, you could create personalized items like planters, miniatures, or figurines. 

I found this 3D printed Titanic replica selling for $50 on Etsy!

How Much Money Can You Make 3D Printing?

One of the best parts of starting a 3D printing business or side hustle is the amount of money you can make. Like many businesses, there is no limit to the amount of money you can make. As long as you are capable or producing products or monetizing your printer, you can make money.

Most 3D printing side hustles can produce anywhere from 5 to 6 figures depending on how you choose to monetize your printer or skills.

By selling products that you 3D print online and lowering your productions costs, you could easily push your profits to $50,000 annually or more.

Looking for more high-tech ways to make money? Learn how you can make money programming!

Is 3D Printing a Good Business?

3D printing is a tremendous business to start in 2022. As 3D printing continues to grow in popularity, your knowledge and services will become even more valuable.

By combining multiple income streams with your printer, your earnings can grow exponentially.

Starting a 3D printing business is a great way to earn passive income and make money fast.

Related: 31 Profitable Business Ideas for Anyone

How Long Does it Take To Make Money 3D Printing?

If you have skills with 3D printing, you might be capable of making money much quicker than those in the beginning stages. Your expertise can help you to be less wasteful and more efficient with your time.

For beginners, you can expect to make money with a 3D printer within 6-9 months depending on your skills. You'll need to dedicate some time to learn how to design and build 3D printed items.

For more seasoned printers, you might be capable of making money within a couple of months depending on how you chose to make money with a 3D printer. Your 3D printing business can become a passive income stream that requires little ongoing work to keep going.

What 3D Printing Software Do I Need?

3D printers on there own are not very useful unless you are capable of creating a blueprint for what it needs to create. To make this blueprint or 3D model, you will need software that is compatible with your printer.

Many printers will read STL or VRML filetypes to produce items so ensure your software if has these outputs.

Note: You should always examine the instruction manual for your printer to know which filetype is required so that you can purchase the correct software.

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How to Save Money on a 3D Printer

Because the cost of a 3D printer can be enormous, we’ve put together a few tips to help you save money on your new machine.

Use Credit Card Rewards

If opting to purchase your printer at a major retailer, you might be able to benefit from bonus reward categories in which you earn more than the average rewards rate. Check to see if your purchases qualify before swiping your card.

Buy Gift Cards Online

You can often find used gift cards online at for less than the amount on the card. It’s common to finds these cards at more than 20% off the full amount. By purchasing a few of these cards, you can save a fortune on the cost of your printer.

Use Price Checkers

Never make a purchase before checking to see if you can pick it up elsewhere at a lower price. Apps like Honey or Rakuten can do this for you. Before you checkout, it will scan the web in search of a lower price. Be sure to check that the compared models are identical before completing a purchase if you are able to find it elsewhere.

Shop Used or Refurbished 3D Printers

Used options can save you hundreds on your next 3D printer and many times you will find that they are in top quality. You can browse online e-commerce giants like eBay or Amazon to find these options. It’s a good idea to ensure your product is fully functional before making an offer or completing your purchase.

Related: How to Make $50 a Day

How to Become a Better 3D Printer

For those new to 3D printing, you might quickly notice that you can’t expect perfection right off the bat. Becoming a successful 3D printer will take time, knowledge, and a lot of practice.

Try New Things

To become a great 3D printer, you must diverge from your comfort zone and explore new types of printing. If your forte is printing various types of cups, try to expand your printing to other options like plates or bowls. This will help you to become a better overall printer.

Give it Time

As mentioned above, excelling at 3D printing comes with years of experience. If at first you do not succeed, try again, and again, and again. This experience will help you to become a superior 3D printer.

Keep Learning

3D printing has evolved since it was first introduced. Those who have mastered the skill continuously learn the latest trends and keep up with new developments. You should aim to learn as much as you can and continue your knowledge to become a great 3D printer.

Use Different Materials or Printers

Some printers are flat out better than others. And some materials are better for creating certain pieces. By upgrading your equipment or materials, the quality of your output will also increase.

How to Sell 3D Printed Products

Printing and selling products can be an easy way to get paid for the use of your printer. Whether you decide to start a print on demand business or 3D print home decor, you'll need to find a way to sell your products or services.

Social media can be an excellent way to promote your services and 3D printed products. You can ask your friends and family to share your content in hopes of finding other potential customers interested in your service or business.

Selling 3D printed items can also be done through e-commerce sites or a company website. You might consider investing some money to build a website to sell your products.

Do You Need a License to 3D Print?

While you don't necessarily need a license to start a 3D printing service, you do need to understand how copyright laws work.

Printing someone else's designs can cause legal problems if you do not get written permission from the design owner.

Final Thoughts on Making Money with a 3D Printer

Making money with 3D printing is easier than you might think.

There are many different ways you can monetize your printer, some being easier than others. Whether you're looking to make $300 a day or even $20k a month – using a 3D printer to earn money is an excellent option. 

From creating products to sell online, renting out your printer itself, starting a 3D printing service, even teaching others how to 3D print, there’s no better time to make money with your 3D printer. Best of all, anyone can make money 3D printing at any age (that includes teenagers!).

You'll need to spend some time learning how to operate, design, and build 3D printed items but once you have the knowledge, you can earn a significant income with your skills!

Forrest is a personal finance, entrepreneurship, and investing expert dedicated to helping others obtain life long wealth. He has a Bachelor's degree in business and has been featured in many popular publications including Forbes, Business Insider, Bankrate, CNET Money, and many others. To learn more about Forrest, visit the About Me Page for more info.

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Find out more about us

www.top3dshop.ru

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works inside the company

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How the company was created - an unusual story

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Millions in 3D: Who and how makes money on 3D printing

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We sell

Why you will like it here

The Top 3D Shop team brought together people with experience in large international companies who understand how to make a quality product. A feature of our corporate culture is a high degree of openness and trust within the team, the ability to value ideas based on their usefulness, and not the age and status of the person who proposes them.

The company grows because the team solves the most ambitious tasks and is not afraid to take on difficult challenges. For its part, Top 3D Shop offers the best conditions on the market, including opportunities for rapid career growth and decent wages.

Our conditions

Best training programs

High level corporate training: online and offline trainings on leadership, corporate culture, products and business processes.

Close-knit team

No random people - only professionals. Plus - a community where you can always get support.

Participation in conferences

Russian and international exhibitions, conferences and seminars are open to you. Extensive opportunities for the exchange of experience and access to technological innovations and up-to-date knowledge of the industry.

The widest product portfolio

We work with customers from such areas as automotive, medicine, design and advertising, dentistry, construction, aerospace, military and food industries.

Comfortable office

Cozy offices in Moscow (5 minutes from Alekseevskaya metro station) and St. Petersburg (5 minutes from Frunzenskaya metro station).

Comfortable workplace

Modern technology and everything you need for successful work is already waiting for you in Top 3D Shop.

Food and recreation

You can have a bite to eat in a separate kitchen, where there is always tea and fruit, and dine in an inexpensive canteen on the territory of the office.

Free English

For experienced employees.

Corporate events and sports

We communicate informally and have fun at boring corporate parties, we hold team competitions in football, volleyball and basketball.

Decent pay

Everyone answers the question where he wants to be in a year and goes to this goal together with the team. Payments without delay. Interesting bonuses.

Rapid professional growth

Gaining new knowledge and competencies opens up opportunities for rapid career growth for any team member.

VHI after probation

Including dental services and sick pay.

Social responsibility

Financial assistance, gift certificate for the birth of a child, travel allowance.

Loan from the company

On favorable terms for employees with experience

Don't take our word for it, look at the company through the eyes of the team

Vyacheslav Nigamedzyanov

Dealer manager

Nice, clean office. Friendly colleagues, good management. The pay system is clear.

Malakhovsky Evgeny

Sales manager prof. equipment

Interesting work in a friendly team. Continuous development of your skills and knowledge. Decent pay.

Alexander Larionov

Service engineer of the service department

Young and close-knit team, excellent communication between departments. Completely satisfied!

Be part of a great story

Custom projects

Professionals

Outstanding results

Vacancies

If you are close to responsibility, diligence, adequacy and thirst for new knowledge - we will be happy to consider your candidacy for one of the open vacancies below.

  • Service engineer (3D printers, CNC)
  • Account Manager
  • Warehouse picker
  • Public Procurement/Tender Manager (3D printers, 3D scanners, Machine tools)
  • Online store manager
  • CNC Machine Sales Manager
  • CNC Sales Manager
  • Sales manager for robotics and automation projects

How to become our employee

  • Contact our HR department.
  • Submit a test assignment for the position.
  • Interview in the office and tell us about yourself.

Or respond via the feedback form:

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How to find us

Our address: Saint-Petersburg , BC Kyiv, st. Kyiv 6, room 300 (m. Frunzenskaya)

Our address: Moscow , Technopark "Caliber", Godovikova, 9, building 16, office 1.2

where to study, where to work, salary

Updated

3D printing engineer provides technical support, work with equipment, software, and creation of 3D models. A specialist needs to have deep knowledge of engineering, programming, and mathematics. The profession is referred to the specialties of the future. By the way, the ProfGid career guidance center has recently developed an accurate career guidance test that will tell you which professions suit you, give an opinion about your personality type and intelligence. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in physics and mathematics (see. choosing a profession based on interest in school subjects).

Brief description

The profession of a 3D printing engineer has appeared quite recently, but its value and social significance cannot be underestimated. With the help of 3D printing, unique products used in medicine and industry are already being created today. Mathematicians and engineers are constantly developing more advanced technologies that make it possible to create blanks, anatomical models, souvenirs, houses, prostheses using this type of printing. And printers used for printing with biomaterials make it possible to create human skin, which has become a breakthrough in the treatment of wounds, injuries, and acceleration of the rehabilitation period.

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Full control over 3D printing is carried out by an engineer who is an excellent programmer, technologist, biologist and even a chemist, because the profession forces him to know the composition and properties of different materials well. To work in this area, you must have a technical education, attending IT courses, lectures on modeling will be a plus. A specialist must be able to independently design a 3D model, select the necessary materials, calculate all the risks, and then print, creating products for the field of medicine, aviation, industry, etc.

Occupation specifics

3D printing engineers work using different materials, corresponding to their field of activity, computer programs and industrial 3D printers. Today, medical centers, industrial, aerospace, engineering and other industries need these specialists. There are few specialists, their work cannot be called simple, because the duties of a 3D printing engineer include:

  • selection of new materials, testing;
  • using modern software to improve and adjust 3D printer settings;
  • preparation of layouts, development of raster images for subsequent printing;
  • full print control;
  • study of new technologies;
  • knowledge of certification rules, requirements that are put forward for 3D models and finished products;
  • documentation development, software debugging;
  • selection of new equipment, training of other employees;
  • equipment maintenance.

Responsibilities vary by location, but a 3D Printing Engineer must be a multi-skilled professional who is ready to quickly learn new technologies at any time and then successfully apply them in practice. Employers put forward strict requirements for engineers, because the wages of such specialists are solid. They must have at least 3 years of practical work experience, the obligatory knowledge of a technical foreign language is important. A 3D printing engineer must know the basics of economics and marketing, because his duties include optimizing workflows aimed at reducing the cost and speed of printing.

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Pluses and minuses

Pluses
  1. An important profession that will help save millions of lives in the future, improve the environment, and allow the rational use of natural resources.
  2. 3D printing engineers are unique specialists today.
  3. Demand in various fields.
  4. A specialist will have no problems finding work in megacities.
  5. The salary is stable and high.
  6. An experienced engineer will be able to open his own production for the manufacture of souvenirs or other products.
  7. You can study in Russia by enrolling in a technical university.
  8. Lack of physical activity.
Cons
  1. Working sedentary, but not monotonous.
  2. Irregular working hours, because the creation of a large product can last for more than 5 hours.
  3. The cost of industrial 3D printers is high, so in order to organize your own production, you need to think about starting capital or finding an investor.
  4. Any mistakes made by a 3D printing engineer are associated with huge financial losses.
  5. Difficulties in finding work in small towns and villages.
  6. Work at the computer leads to a decrease in vision.

Important Personal Qualities

A 3D Printing Engineer is a highly professional person, so he must be an erudite person with an excellent memory. The character of this rare specialist should contain responsibility, curiosity, and creativity. An engineer is obliged to constantly study, a craving for both the exact sciences and linguistics is welcomed, because most of the instructions, books and technical documentation are still being created mainly in foreign languages.

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3D printing engineer training

Universities

  • 4 years

    220,000 ₽/year

    15 budget places

  • 4 years

    48,500 ₽/year

    12 budget places

  • 36 200 ₽/year

    25 budget places

  • 4 years

    200,000 ₽/year

    25 budget places

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Place of work

3D printing engineers will be able to work in agencies involved in the production of consumer goods.

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